Postdoctoral Scholar - Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory

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POSITION SPECIFICS

The Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) https://iee.psu.edu/home at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA is seeking applications for a full time Postdoctoral Scholar to work in the IEE Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory, https://iee.psu.edu/labs/environmental-contaminants-analytical-laboratory.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with strong analytical laboratory expertise to support projects oncontaminants of emerging concern (CECs)acrossenvironmental, ecological, and agroecosystems, as well as other systems such asaquatic, terrestrial, and engineered environments. The successful candidate will support interdisciplinary researchers and will work with a team of subject matter experts to advance analytical capabilities for detecting and characterizing CECs in diverse matrices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize analytical methodsfor quantifying emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides) in water, soil, plant tissue, and other environmental and biological media.

• Operate and maintain advanced instrumentation such asLC-MS/MS, GC-MS, CIC, Pyrolysis-GC/MS, and LDIR.

• Performsample preparation, extraction, and cleanupfor complex matrices and analysis from multiple systems (e.g., agroecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, ecological habitats).

• Conductdata processing and interpretation, including QA/QC procedures, statistical analysis, and reporting.

• Collaborate on research addressingfate, transport, and health impactsof emerging contaminants in interconnected systems.

• Knowledge of data processing software including Chromeleon, TraceFinder, Compound Discoverer, and Clarity is a plus.

• Lead and contribute to publications, presentations, and proposals related to analytical method development and environmental contaminant monitoring.

Collaborative Environment: The Postdoctoral Scholar will join adynamic, interdisciplinary research communityat Penn State, working closely with experts inanalytical chemistry, ecotoxicology, toxicology, agricultural sciences, hydrology, environmental engineering, and data science. This position offers:

• Opportunities forcross-disciplinary collaborationon high-impact research spanningagroecosystems, ecological systems, and engineered systems.

• Access tostate-of-the-art laboratory facilitiesand advanced instrumentation.

• Professional development throughgrant writing, mentoring, and networkingwithin Penn State's Institute of Energy and the Environment.

• Engagement inteam scienceaimed at addressing complex environmental challenges and advancing sustainability.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) inAnalytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience inanalytical method development and validationfor trace-level contaminants.

• Proficiency ininstrumental analysis(e.g., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS) and associateddata processing software.

• Familiarity with environmental sample matrices andcontaminants of emerging concern.

• Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills; ability to manage large datasets.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience withnon-targeted analysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry, or advanced imaging techniques.

• Knowledge ofQA/QC protocolsand interlaboratory validation.

• Programming or scripting skills fordata analysis(e.g., R, Python).

Additional Information:

• Applicants should demonstrate a record of research productivity through publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Application Instructions: Upload asingle PDFcontaining the following:

• Cover letter

• CV with publication list and list of references

• Up tothree representative journal articles

System limitations allow forfive documents (5 MB each); please combine materials accordingly.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

BENEFITS

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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